Land Rover Discovery and Discovery II

stever · July 2003

Original equipment tires rarely seem to last more than 35,000 miles it seems on any SUV or minivan. Even if you just drive on the smooth Trace all the time. So 31,000 isn't out of the norm, unfortunately.

My first time getting stopped by a cop was on the Trace. I was 13 at the time, and the officer couldn't see my head over the dash of our '53 Buick and did a U-turn to check me out. My old man had to drive the rest of the way home :-)

Steve, Host

nanuq · July 2003

I had it bad on my stock tires, I believe they were Dunlops on the '96. When they wore thin I replaced them with Hakkapeliitta LT-10s (nobody is really sure HOW you spell that so it's a best guess) and I couldn't be happier. They're great in the snow and only a little less than great in the mud.

People attribute the cupping to a "block" tread design like the Dunlops had. But my Hakkas have a block pattern and they refuse to cup.

stopgo1 · July 2003

I'm getting ready to leave for a vacation to the Outer Banks of North Carolina and plan on taking my Disco into the 4WD section of the beaches there. The sand is very "fluffy" and notorious for getting stuck in.

Prior to the Disco I owned a 94 4Runner and never had any problems out there. Being that I am new to the Discovery I am seeking tips from any of you who have operated your vehicles in these types of conditions. A major concern I have is the 18" wheels and letting the air pressure down.

What PSI should I shoot for? I was thinking about starting 5 pounds less than the recommended PSI in each tire.

Also, would you think it necessary to switch from High to Low. All I plan on doing is keeping it in High and dropping to either 3 or 2 gear??

Any suggestions are appreciated. I read the SUV in Sand board at Edmunds, didn't get what I wanted there, figured I check the with Discovery owners directly.

Thanks,
dave

disco99 · July 2003

I'm about to drain my brake system and I notice the fluid is very dark with some black residue in there-just curious- what does that normally mean? very old fluid?

ejohns · July 2003

My extended warranty is with Warranty Gold. I haven't filed a claim yet but in doing my research they were the most reliable and had a good rating with the BBB. There are not a lot out there that cover Land Rovers. Good Luck!

clpurnell · July 2003

hate to tell you this but your wg warranty is worthless at this point. Their administrator is filling for bankruptcy and "NO" claims are being paid. Check out The WG discussion on townhall for more details.

ejohns · July 2003

Thanks for the info, I'm calling and check now.

nanuq · July 2003

That may mean the seal in the lid is going bad, or the floaty thing in the reservoir (wait, am I thinking about my wife's car?) Take a look for any rubber pieces that are eroding. If they are, you'll have to carefully and thoroughly clean the reservoir to prevent that crud getting down into the ABS pump. If it's just old dark fluid with no residue, then all is well.

Yeah it sounds like your brake fluid is very old. It should be pretty and clear and a nice light amber at worst. Clean the reservoir and then do a massive bleed to completely flush all the lines and slave cylinders, or you can have the shop do it... I think they can activate the ABS pump and crack the bleed screws and presto, it's a one-man operation!

stever · July 2003

Warranty Gold's Administrator Financial Trouble

"Warranty Gold" Claims

Steve, Host

mrtoad3 · July 2003

I understand your reservations about the 18" rims for offroading. May I suggest exchanging your 18" rims for 16" rims suitable for the Disco II and getting tires with a higher profile for use in the mud and snow etc. The ACE suspension only came with the 18" but you can mount 16" rims as they do in England with the ACE. I also am considering the swap to get better offroad performance which is why I bought the car in the first place. It seems less drastic than selling the fantastic Disco II for a 4runner. Hope this helps in your decision.

nanuq · July 2003

I understand the 16" steel NATO wheels will fit the DII, though Land-Rover doesn't recommend doing so... doubtless for liability concerns.

This will recover your tall sidewalls and open up a big range of tire size choices.

disco99 · July 2003

I just bought the castrol lma dot 4-I'll have my shop flush,bleed and refill tmrow-
by the way I took your advice and change virtually all my fluids with the best stuff-the car is running like new--
thanks again

disco99 · July 2003

I recently came across DIRECTSERVICECONTRACTS.COM -their rates are great-altough they're backed by an A- AM BEST company-(Lyndon property & casualty)-I wonder if they're just the next warranty gold- 2 reasons I'm cosidering these guys

I) I called the insurer and they said if DIRECTSERVICECONTRACTS.COM goes out of business they will pay the claims-(should I believe that?)

II) the contract would be directly between me and Lyndon.
Any one ever heard of these guys?
They were really friendly over the phone...(that was a joke).

tidester · July 2003

We have several discussions about extended warranties going on. Might be worth a look!

extended warranty

Extended Warranty Purchase?

PURCHASING EXTENDED WARRANTY

tidester, host

ejohns · July 2003

FYI - In response to post #2658 Michelin C/T tires are not recommended because it is not a reinforced tire. More suited for a light truck. The Michelin XPC and the Synchrome are reinforced tires and therefore more suited for the Land Rover. Land Rover has given their stamp of approval on the XPC but not the Synchrome. Michelin states that the Synchrome is a comparable tire and not quite sure why LR hasn't given their approval.

nanuq · July 2003

I run Nokian Hakka LT-10 on my Disco. They're a ten-ply tire, rated for 85psi. I run them at 55psi and the ride is plenty smooth. They deflect almost not at all over terrain. Have a look at them!

disco99 · July 2003

I'd recommend to anyone who has bought or is about to buy a LR from an independent dealer to have their cars fully inspected by LR(140 point-$200 test)before or after the purchase-it's worth it-I did mine recently and I was able to take the car back to my dealer for a new Serpentine belt,steering stop ,power steering and brake fluid flushes and refills(the fluids were DIRTY)-all safety items- all at no cost-
by the way once you pass this test-if your car is out of warranty-you can purchase a "real" extended warranty for2yrs-24k-$2000-

NO-this is not an ad for LR-I notice a lot of auto warranty companies don't cover LR and the ones that still do are going under-I need some peace of mind in the nesxt 2 years-
just my boring 2 cents
thanks

disco99 · July 2003

Oh by the way-if you live on long island-try to avoid LR GLEN COVE and MASSAPEQUA-Go to SMITHTOWN-even if it's a long drive-it's worth it-great service and care ($93/hour labor).At least they don't treat you like garbage even before you come in for your "spanking".

disco99 · July 2003

I know this topic has already been covered previously-but I was informed by my dealer this morning that I had 2 recalls that were never done-accelerator cable and ABS ECU-
for those of you who are fairly new to the discocraze-please check your recalls-some of these recalls are safety related- Besides it's a free opportunity to get a couple of new parts in your vehicle.

cwdavis4 · July 2003

Has anyone purchased/installed an integrated cell phone kit for their Discovery? I am looking for a better way to use the cell phone while driving.

Thank you for any information.

kb28 · July 2003

I have thought about changing, but my 2001 is leased with the term ending in about 7 months. I do not have any off road plans for that time so it doesn't make sense to change out, particulary after just having bought new 18 tires. Steve, I know 31 is good mileage on the HPs, but they handled miserably. There is just absolutely no comparison to every day street and highway handling to the Toyos I just bought. As I said the HPs tend to follow every little crevace in the road and don't track well overall. All this time I thought it was just the Disco. With the new tires this truck handles entirely different and is a pure pleasure to drive. The trace was gorgeous. Loved the rolling and twisting road in TN with the ACE system. We are now is Nashville and the clubs are many, the music is loud and the beer is cold.

stever · July 2003

New shoes can help a lot. If you see a kid cruising around Music City in an Avalanche yell at him. That's my nephew, and he'll be heading for the cold ones too :-)

(He's 28 but that's a kid to me <g>)

Steve, Host

brandmar · July 2003

I've been looking at a 2000 White Gold DII with 48K miles. The dealer is asking 23K. How does the price sound? It's loaded and in very good condition. I did notice some rust on the tailgate latch and hinge, though, but could find rust anywhere else. One thing I forgot to look for was a heated windshield. Was the 2000 DII equipped with the cold climate package? I believe there were heated seats. Also, can the new cup holders be mounted into an older Disco?

I asked the dealer if I could look at the service records and he told me that since the car wasn't bought there, he couldn't find any info. That didn't sound quite right to me. I thought that the dealers could view the service records of any vehicle serviced at a dealer.

The VIN is SALTY1243YA234773 in case Tincup can give me some info on the service records of the vehicle. Thanks in advance.

mrtoad3 · July 2003

After moderate research, I have compiled a list of tires which fit the Disco II's 18" wheels but am unaware of Land Rover's recommendation on any of them. I believe that LR evaluates and approves certain tires for use on the DiscoII. If anyone knows whether these are ok then please let us know. It is so difficult to find good tires for mainly winter use for the 18" rims.
1. Pirelli Scorpion S/T (reinforced) in 255/55/18
2. Bridgestone Blizzak LM-22 in 255/55/18
3. Pirelli Scorpion Ice & Snow in 255/55/18
4. Goodyear Wrangler HP (improved silica compound)
for better winter traction
5. Dunlop got very poor reviews.
If anyone has any experience with these tires then let us know that too. I know the current HP's are horrible in the snow because that is what I have. The new compound is supposed to give improved traction but at what cost? Increased wear? I hope this helps anyone searching for tires. I understand all the new Disco's will have 18" rims as standard equip. Why don't they offer 16" rims with the ACE system here in the USA?

cwdavis4 · July 2003

Yesterday I finally went out and purchased a 03 Disco HSE7. Im eligible for the X-Plan (including the $1K rebate) and still got them to shave off almost another $1k and they agreed to throw in running boards, window tint (I live in AZ), and bringing in the vehicle from CO. I thought it was a pretty good deal.

However, after going thru the owners handbook, its looks like there is one manual for the UK and USA versions of Discovery (or there are a lot of features I didnt get). I wanted to make sure so I decided to ask. Please forgive me if this were already answered somewhere else in the discussion (I tried to search for them) or if they seem trivial.

1) Single point of entry  ie pushing the unlock button unlocks driver door or all doors. (From a previous discussion it sounds like this is a dealer settable feature)
2) Speed related locking. (Same thing, sounds like this is a dealer settable feature)
3) Heat front seats (I have got them). The manual says the seats achieve and then maintain a predetermined temperature between 79F and 97F. This is a huge range - what is the predetermined temperate?
4) Self-leveling suspension. I have this feature and understand how to rise the suspension but the manual says I need to have a separate remote to lower the suspension. Im not sure if this is a UK feature only or if the dealer forgot to give me the SLS remote.
5) Day time running lights? It doesnt appear to have any. Im guessing this is a UK feature?
6) Rear headphone controls. It doesnt appear to have any. Im guessing this is a UK feature?
7) Sport mode. The salesman suggested I do not use this feature  he said it wasnt very effective and suck up gas. Instead he recommended for me to shift into 3rd gear until I reach the desire speed and shift back into 4th. Any comments?
8) Differential lock. It doesnt appear to have any. Im guessing this is a UK feature?

This is my first Land Rover and definitely want to have it around for a long time. I would appreciate any other comments or suggestions for things I should watch out for.

Regards!

tincup47 · July 2003

The vehicle you are looking at does have the cold climate pack which includes heated windshield and seats. It has had several warranty repairs, mostly for leaks or minor electrical issues. The vehicle was originally sold in Michigan but the services since just under 40,000 miles were done in Massachusetts. Any Land Rover dealer can see the warranty history, but if there were customer pay repairs those can only be seen at the dealer who did them.

tincup47 · July 2003

Whew, that's a lot of questions

I have answers to most of them though.

1. Single point locking can be set at the retailer
2. Same as above (these are actually on the customer preference sheet that should be filled out before delivery)
3. Don't have an answer
4. The SLS remote is an accessory item, it is not standard equipt. Part number is STC50143 and does require the dealer to activate it.
5. Daytime running lamps can be activated
6. If your vehicle has the DVD player the rear headphone controllers for the audio system are replaced by the headphone jacks in the DVD player.
7. Sport mode, if you weren't supposed to use it they wouldn't have included it. It could lead to a small decrease in gas mileage, but no probably no worse than doing what the saleman says
8. Diff lock is not available in the US for 2003

brandmar · July 2003

Tincup - Thanks for the reply. I guess some leaks and minor electrical issues are to be expected. I got the dealer to go down $1500 so I think I am going to go forward with the purchase. Thanks again for the info.

tincup47 · July 2003

I did forget to answer one of your questions. There is actually a kit to add the 02-03 cupholders to the earlier Discovery models, both series I and II. Part numbers on the kits is STC53156SUC for the Bahama Beige and Lightstone (Lightstone has Bahama Beige console and trim) interiors and STC53156LPW for the Smokestone Grey interiors.

disco99 · July 2003

has any seen the "no magazine" on their display even when the changer is loaded-
Is it a big problem? What should I expect to pay for the repair?

cwdavis4 · July 2003

Tincup - thank you. I knew someone would have the answers.

Additional question on #6 (rear audio controls). I didn't get the DVD option but I couldn't find the rear audio controls). Is this option only included with the DVD option?

Thanks again.

tincup47 · July 2003

Just got clarification on the 3rd row seat audio controls (that contain the headphones). That particular feature is not available in the vehicles with the Becker Nav unit. It is only available in the SE version that has the standard high line audio system. The Becker Nav/radio head unit does not support this function. But then again the SE radio won't help you find where you are going.

cwdavis4 · July 2003

Does anyone know a good Land Rover parts websites? I would like to order some Land Rover Accessories and thought they would be less expensive if I didn't go thru the local LR dealership.

Thanks..

mrtoad3 · July 2003

A good rover parts catalog is at www.AtlanticBritish.com

disco99 · July 2003

you may also try roverconnection.com

disco99 · July 2003

I'm very close to pulling the trigger on an extended auto warranty from LR-the car has 57k on it and running perfectly? does anyone think I'm about to throw away 2k for the next 2yrs(24K)--NANUQ-TINCUP---HEL.....P.
THANKS GUYS PLEASE ADVISE

brandmar · July 2003

I'm about to buy a 2000 DII, and was quoted these prices for an extended warranty. They might be lower because I will be buying it while the Disco is still under warranty. The Disco currently has 48K and will be extended automatically to 60/62K because it is certified:

72/74K $750
72/86K $1100
72/100K $1490
84/86K $1570

I'm struggling with what would be the best way to go.

nanuq · July 2003

The old adage is, "once fixed they stay fixed." I had some serious teething pains with my Disco and over the course of 2-3 years got them all sorted. Since then I have had (holding fingers up in the shape of an "O") *ZERO* trouble with the old girl. I mean she is absolutely stone reliable and I have admittedly beaten her to death offroad and on.

A Disco is not THAT complex of a vehicle. There are electrical gremlins on some, more on Lucas beasts than on Bosch. Far more, in fact. Your DII ought to have almost all Bosch components. The nice thing about computerized electrical systems is they work flawlessly until they catastrophically fail (touch wood). So if it's working electrically there's no reason for it to stop... unless you're wading a lot and getting tons of moisture up where it really shouldn't be.

As for the "hard parts" like drivetrain and chassis, it is basically indestructible. But those are where the expensive parts come in to play. Those expensive parts should last easily until 80-90-100k miles, then you're looking at replacement of the ABS pump, power steering pump and alternator. Each are a simple job.

The trick is to consider how long you've had your truck and how well you know her. Is she just behaving this week and she's a week old, or do you know her quirks and she's settled down nicely into a reliable state?

In my case, I know she's stone reliable but I'm biting my lip for the first of the expected failures... I'm at 83k miles now.

In your case you've had her awhile and she operates perfectly. No leaks, no weird behavior, everything is fine. Add 24k to 57k and you get 81k miles when the warranty expires... which is just when it starts to get expensive.

My advice is to get a good set of hand tools and a manual, and learn to maintain the bird yourself. You'll get to recognize when parts need attention and you can preempt some failures. It will give you a sense of accomplishment and you'll save A LOT of money. If you're not mechanically inclined and she's working well now? I'd say save the $2000 toward the eventual failures down the road.

They wouldn't sell these warranties unless they were profitable. They're betting the truck will NOT fail, while you're concerned it will... largely due to complexity and the unknown. In that case, rely on the ingenuity and longevity of Land-Rover and trust in their design. If they built bad vehicles they would have disappeared as a company long ago.

Your truck will last. If it's working now there's no reason for it to stop working, barring abuse. I'd skip the warranty and scoff at Lord Lucas.

(ducking)

disco99 · July 2003

It's funny my wife said the exact same thing-I forgot to mention the $100 deductible per visit-I am just going to care ultra good care of her and save for some inevitable projects such as timing chain, new rotors all around,abs and power steering pumps...Besides I always put 100k on all my cars brfore I start looking again-
thanks again-you and tincup and many others have spared me a lot of $$$.

nanuq · July 2003

...is exceedingly wise, utterly intelligent, beyond all reproach and certainly a nice guy. Wait. A nice lady.

One thing to watch for, many dealers suggest you replace your rotors FAR too soon. I've heard of them recommending it at a 30k pad replacement! I'm on my 4th set of pads at 83k miles (these are about used up) and my rotors are still within tolerance. When they reach the minimum thickness, THAT is when you replace them. Or if they are really really severely gouged.

Your wife is right, "oil is cheaper than metal." Spend some money on lubes and maintenance and she'll last a long time! The truck. Your wife too, likely. Ummmmmmm, I think I'll go now.

stever · July 2003

Got a lot of Oil of Olay in your glove box, eh?

I think the dealers figure that it's cheaper for them to replace the rotors often, and avoid having customers return because their new pads are squealing, since new pads take longer to seat to old rotors than they take to adapt to new rotors. Or so I've read around Town Hall.

Steve, Host

nanuq · July 2003

Nope, ain't got no Oil of Olay in the glove box, though there certainly is some OoO residue on the dash and the grab bar! I love to take her 4-wheeling and she hangs on tight.

Being a smart guy, I extended that train of thought and took her for another motorcycle ride... upped the speed a little and she hung on nice and tight.

Hmmmmmmm, this is a Good Thing.

Hey, remember our discussion about Charlie and the engine he built for my firebreathing motorcycle? I now have a Mr. Turbo unit in the works, which ought to boost my giddyup to a little over 220hp.

stever · July 2003

Charlie would be proud, may he RIP. Not too many racing wrench turners as good as he was.

Steve, Host

nanuq · July 2003

Yeah he'd like that. I was talking with him one day in the driveway about BIG horsepower engines. He mentioned the yellow Clymer manual for the 750F, it had a picture of Roberto Pietri on the cover, riding at Daytona. Charlie said that shot must have been taken in the first 5 laps because he BLEW that engine on the 6th lap. Charlie said he didn't expect it to go more than 10 laps, and it qualified Pietri, as planned.

Charlie really appreciated the jewel-like quality of (some of) those engines' internals, and how much you could stress them before they blew. Sort of like a tennis racket, each string is under enormous tension, by itself it can break with a little too much force but together with its companions it will distribute the loads and take a beating... for awhile.

Did he ever show you the bags full of handmade TI fasteners he brought back from Suzuka? Some of those found their way onto client bikes. *wink*

Gawd, he was a good mechanic. I wonder what he'd think of a Land Rover? "Pour some Guinness down the intake ports and turn 'er over... maybe it'll happy her up?!"

Curing the world's ills, one can of Marvel Mystery Oil at a time.

disco99 · July 2003

hey bob
You dont't think for a second my wife would ever get her hands in grease,do you? That bill would cost me 3x what the dealer is asking for the ex warr--

phill27 · July 2003

I am driving a 2000 disco II. I am looking for a roof rack that is able to carry light gear and 2 kayaks. The only racks I have seen on the disco are the hannibal type racks. I think that may be overkill for my situation. I have already extended the factory bars and am leaning toward factory crossbars (fit into the garage!). Anyone have any experience with these?
Other cars I have owned with factory racks couldn't accept accessories from thule/yakima. Are their work arounds for the disco? Pros/ cons... help?

phill27 · July 2003

Thanks for the words on these warranties. I have been deliberating on such a purchase. It came down to spending $2000 on a problem that may happen and which might be covered. I'll keep the cash.
Soemeimes, it's hard to make such a decision. It's good to hear someone say what you need to hear!

nanuq · July 2003

I went to the Evil Empire (aka REI) and looked thru their inventory of crossbar mounts. Lo and behold there was a set of mounts that fit pretty darn well onto my factory Disco Series I crossbars! I think they're the A-10 mounts. Once those were in place, I could attach anything Yakima wanted to throw at me... ski racks being my first purchase. The 6-pack racks attach to the mounts which attach to my factory rack. Nice clean installation.

Take one of your factory crossbars in there and see if one of the mounts is a fairly good fit. You'll find one, guaranteed. Everyone is making aerodynamic crossbars now and one will slide right on.

stever · July 2003

Now you're gonna get me off on another rant Nanuq. Isn't is funny that the coop that wants to be Nordstroms won't divulge to the owners (us members) what the execs are making?

Oh well, something more topical - just don't rub it in to the Jeep fans:

Is this the greatest car of all? (The Australian)

Steve, Host

neal17 · July 2003

looking at a 97' SE7 with 134k on it.
It appears to be in decent shape, would like to take it to a shop to have them look it over, any suggestions here?
How many miles can I expect to get out of this vehicle?
What sorts of maintenance costs should I be prepared for?

BTW they(car lot) are asking $10,995, considering the miles I can't see offering more than $6,500 or $7,000 tops.
anyone have an opinion??
Anyone think that's too low?

Land Rover Discovery and Discovery II

Comments

Helpful Tools

Most popular vehicles

Your Privacy